I’m planning my trip this September 2018 and I’m looking for information on how people prepared for their walk such as training, packing, phone service, walking with your pack vs using a service and any other information people would like to share. I’m planning to walk with friends but may be on my own which is a bit unsettling. I’m starting in Porto as I have 2 1/2 weeks time off work. Is this realistic?
Oh dear, that's a lot of relevant questions, I'll answer short and ....well...from my perspective!
Training?
Yes, always a good idea - we walked up to 20km with our backpacks in the last 4-5 weekends before the camino. Were in good shape before that.
Packing?
Max. 10% of your bodyweight in the backpack or your knees&feet will regret it. For details on what to bring, there's many packing lists online and here in the forum.
Phone service?
Don't know what it is, sorry.
Pack vs. service?
Tuitrans should be good from Porto. We've always walked with our backpacks on the camino, but it is a personal choice. Strangely it helped our backs get stronger. When I get older and my knee's get weaker I won't hesitate one second using a service!
Other information?
Want a book for the trip - get it as ebook for your phone.
Use (download!) a map on your phone, depending on your techie level add a gps-route of the camino and you'll never get real lost
Remember safety pins (big ones)
Read this forum and search a bit - you're here in good time, so you'll find your own answers to all the above!
And Welcome!!
Is it realistic?
Yes
bom caminho
Christian